SEYMOUR, Tenn. — A former golf coach from Northview Academy was arrested for rape on Halloween night, according to the city of Sevierville.
38-year-old Jennifer Paige Blanchard has been charged with statutory rape by an authority figure after an investigation by the Sevierville Police Department.
The charge comes from Blanchard’s time as a golf coach. According to Sevierville officials, the victim, who is now an adult, alleged that as a juvenile student, they were sexually assaulted in 2017.
SPD started an investigation in June 2023 after being informed of the allegation by the Sevier County School System. The investigation then led to a sealed allegation that was issued on Monday, Oct. 30.
The school system also said Blanchard taught at Sevierville Primary School and then Seymour Primary School while working as golf coach at Northview Academy, before her resignation in 2021.
In a statement, the Sevier County School System responded to the arrest below:
"Ms. Blanchard’s employment with the Sevier County School System ended with her resignation dated 6/1/2021. Administrators received no reports or complaints of wrongdoing against Ms. Blanchard during her time with our school system. The alleged victim first came forward to the school system as an adult, and well after Ms. Blanchard’s employment with Sevier County Schools had ended. Once school system officials were made aware of what was now being alleged, the matter was immediately turned over to law enforcement for further investigation. We have and will continue to cooperate fully with any inquiries conducted by law enforcement agencies regarding Ms. Blanchard."
The Concord United Methodist Church in Farragut confirmed that Blanchard also worked as the Assistant Children's Director from Aug. 2022 until she was fired on Nov. 1.
The church released a statement regarding Blanchard:
"On November 1, Concord United Methodist Church learned of a legal charge made against our Assistant Children's Ministry Director, Jennifer Blanchard. It is our understanding this charge stems from an event which took place years before Jennifer's association with Concord UMC. While we recognize this is currently a charge and not a conviction, the nature of the charge necessitates the immediate termination of her employment at the church. We are praying for the Blanchard family and all involved in this situation."
The investigation is ongoing.